Israeli drone the size of a Boeing 737 crashes

A huge Israeli Heron TP drone that is the size of a Boeing 737 and can fly as far as Iran has crashed on a routine experimental flight.

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The Heron TP drone is expected to be featured prominently in any potential Israeli operation against Iran and its expanding nuclear programPhoto: AP

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Israel's military is understood to be launching an investigation into the crashPhoto: AP

By Our Foreign Staff

7:13PM GMT 29 Jan 2012

The Heron TP drone is also known locally as the Eitan. It has a wingspan of 86 feet, making it the size of a Boeing 737 passenger jet. It is the largest unmanned aircraft in Israel's military arsenal.

No injuries were reported in the accident. Israel's military is understood to be launching an investigation into the crash.

The drone figures to be featured prominently in any potential Israeli operation against Iran and its expanding nuclear program.

Heron TP could provide surveillance, jam enemy communications and connect ground control and manned air force planes. It is unclear if is could carry a deployable payload in a potential strike, although the Jerusalem Post said it could carry 2,200lb (1,000kg) in payloads, making it capable of carrying out a number of missions.

Although there is no suggestion the drone would be used for a strike on Iran, news of the crash comes days after Ehud Barak, Israel's defence minister warned that Tehran was moving closer to the point when it will be too late to destroy its nuclear facilities with a precision air strike.